Entertainment
Mary Wilson of ‘The Supremes’ dies at 76
American singer, Mary Wilson of the iconic music group known as The Supreme has died suddenly at the age of 76 on Monday evening.
Wilson’s longtime friend and publicist, Jay Schwartz confirmed her death in a statement released to CNN. She was in Henderson, Nevada.
She is survived by her daughter, son, several grandchildren, a sister and brother and a funeral for Wilson will be held privately due to Covid-19 restrictions, her family said, but a celebration of her life will take place later this year.
“Wilson used her fame and flair to promote a diversity of humanitarian efforts including ending hunger, raising HIV/AIDS awareness and encouraging world peace,” the statement said.
Wilson became a New York Times bestselling author in 1986 with the release of her autobiography, Dreamgirl: My Life As a Supreme.
The Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Interest in the group’s legacy was renewed after the release of the film Dreamgirls in 2006, which starred Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson.
The movie was based on the story of The Supremes, although Wilson said it did not depict their true story.
Just two days before her death, Wilson uploaded a video on YouTube announcing that she was working on releasing new solo material. (BBC)